FOCUS ASIA | IRSEA

IRSEA's FOCUS ASIA Programme addresses key political, economic and social developments, at local, regional and global level, related to the area.

FOCUS ASIA contributes to a robust interaction between Europe and Asia by creating original research and roundtables and by hosting events, in partnership with institutions and experts in the area.

The structure of the programme is designed around a permanent exchange of people and views and encourages the development of common solutions in the spirit of mutual respect, mutual benefit and constructive dialogue.

FOCUS ASIA encourages policy driven interdisciplinary approaches with strong practical focus and welcomes policy makers, professionals, academics and junior scholars to closely cooperate in order to address fundamental issues regarding the role of Asia in the 21st century.

If you or your institution would like to contribute to our FOCUS ASIA Programme, please send us an e-mail to programs@irsea.ro

Details of our previous FOCUS ASIA activities can be accessed by clicking on the relevant links in the menu below.

India and the QUAD:  The Opportunities and Challenges of Trump 2.0

INTRODUCTION: Amid signs that the Trump administration is keen to bolster the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), Sinderpal Singh outlines India’s interests in the partnership and its concerns.

Vietnam-Ukraine Ties: More Engagement, More Balanced Approach?

INTRODUCTION: Vietnam, traditionally seen to be more allied with Russia, has recently increased its diplomatic engagements with Ukraine.

Productive partnership

INTRODUCTION: Given Donald Trump’s personality, maintaining good relations with him plays a crucial role. Addressing PM Modi as a friend, Trump also described him as a “tough negotiator

Southeast Asia must Prepare for Trump’s ‘Everything’s on the Table’ Approach to Trade

INTRODUCTION: Southeast Asia was spared in the initial flurry of Trumpian trade actions, but Trump’s introduction of expansive and unprecedented non-trade issues into trade relations will inevitably entangle the region.

India-US Relations Amidst the Maritime Great Game in the Indo-Pacific: A Power-Transition?

INTRODUCTION: International politics is a dynamically evolving complex power game, where nation-states are in a constant struggle to carve out their own area of influence.

Myanmar Elections in 2025: Next Gambit for Regime Legitimacy?

INTRODUCTION: The Myanmar junta seeks to hold national elections in 2025 against the backdrop of an ongoing civil war. The elections will most certainly not conform to the principles of a free and fair poll.

How A Ceasefire In Ukraine Could Affect Asian Security

INTRODUCTION: A ceasefire in Ukraine could enable Washington to strengthen its deterrence network in the Indo-Pacific. But this depends on whether Trump hews to traditional balance of power considerations.

Trump 2.0 and the US-Philippines Alliance: Consistency and Change

INTRODUCTION: The US-Philippines alliance is expected to be reinforced in the Trump 2.0 administration. It will, however, be tested given existing regional flashpoints and the need to follow through commitments pledged in previous years.

After the Honeymoon, Where Will President Prabowo Take Indonesia? A Governance Perspective

INTRODUCTION: How have Indonesia’s new president and his administration fared in its critical first 100 days?

The Many Facets of Prabowo Subianto: Quo Vadis Indonesia’s Foreign Policy?

INTRODUCTION: There is a general consensus among observers of Indonesian politics thatPra bowo Subianto will be a hands-on president

India and the QUAD: The Opportunities and Challenges of Trump 2.0